In a bold statement on July 21, 2025, U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack reaffirmed Washington’s unwavering support for Syria’s new government, declaring there is “no Plan B” for uniting the country after a 14-year civil war and recent sectarian violence. Speaking in Beirut, Barrack criticized Israel’s recent military intervention in Syria as poorly timed, arguing it complicates regional stability efforts. The comments, made during an exclusive Associated Press interview, followed deadly clashes in Sweida between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribes, which killed hundreds, including Druze civilians allegedly targeted by government forces.

Israel launched strikes on Syrian government convoys in Sweida and hit the Syrian Ministry of Defense in Damascus, citing defense of the Druze, a minority loyal to Israel. Barrack, also U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, noted that the U.S. was not consulted on Israel’s actions, stating, “It’s not the United States’ responsibility in matters Israel feels is for its own self-defense.” He called the intervention a “confusing chapter” that disrupted ongoing Syria-Israel security talks and Trump administration efforts to normalize their relations.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Syria and Israel, announced on July 19, addressed only the Sweida conflict, with Syrian forces redeploying and civilians evacuating. Barrack stressed that the agreement does not resolve broader issues, like Israel’s demand for a demilitarized zone south of Damascus, which Syria’s new leadership, under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, rejects. He suggested Israel prefers a fragmented Syria, saying, “Strong Arab states are viewed as a threat to Israel,” while emphasizing Syria’s minorities favor a centralized state.

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The Sweida violence has deepened distrust in Syria’s government, led by former insurgents who ousted Bashar Assad in December 2024. Despite al-Sharaa’s pledges to protect minorities, sectarian attacks, including earlier Alawite killings, persist. Barrack defended the government’s efforts, noting their limited resources, but later stressed accountability for violations.

Barrack also addressed Syria’s talks with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) for integration into the national army, expressing optimism for a breakthrough soon, despite Sweida’s unrest. He remained neutral on a potential Syria-Turkey defense pact, stating the U.S. won’t dictate regional alliances.

In Lebanon, Barrack tackled the stalled Hezbollah disarmament, part of a November 2024 U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Israel. He admitted the agreement “didn’t work,” as Israel continues airstrikes to curb Hezbollah’s rebuilding, while Hezbollah demands Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Barrack called disarmament an “internal” Lebanese issue, noting the U.S. cannot compel Israel’s actions.

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